Preparing Your Vehicle For Emergencies

Your car can be many things: a safe haven from the rain during a storm, your own concert hall when you’re driving by yourself, and what gets you from point A to B. We spend a lot of time in our cars. Unfortunately, that means there’s a lot that can go wrong while we’re in them. Some emergencies you may experience in a vehicle might seem obvious: getting stranded in the snow, an unexpected breakdown, or an accident. But, there are many other events that can either force you into utilizing your vehicle for shelter or disrupt your trip while you’re already driving.

Natural disasters like hurricanes, earthquakes, or floods mean that you and your family might need to evacuate your home. But, what happens if that disaster strikes while you’re driving? Will you have what you need to survive? In the event of an emergency, you may find yourself having to rely on your vehicle for more than just transportation, and that’s why you should be prepared to deal with any situation that may occur.

Prepare Your Vehicle

First things first: make sure that your car is always well maintained and fueled up. In an emergency, you need to trust that your vehicle will get you where you need to go without failing mechanically. Also, keep in mind that in a disaster situation that necessitates evacuation, fuel will quickly become scarce and stopping to gas up takes precious time you could be using to get to safety. Imagine that half a tank is your new empty and never let the level get below that. Get familiar with basic auto repairs and always keep a tool kit in your car. Check your spare tire to make sure it’s properly inflated and learn how to use the jack to change a flat if needed.

Other items you should include:

Your vehicle’s repair manual

Jumper cables

Battery charger

Fix-a-flat or other tire sealant

Extra motor oil

Gas can

Flares or a reflective triangle

Ice scraper

Work gloves

Items Essential For Your Comfort and Survival

Even in the best conditions, car rides can be uncomfortable. During an emergency, you never know how long you’ll be in your vehicle or what conditions you may face outside. While you could bring along everything but the kitchen sink, you should include items you absolutely must have in your car no matter the circumstances.

Tailor your list as needed, but here are a few things that you should keep in your car at all times to ensure your comfort and survival:

First aid kit

Flashlight and spare batteries

High calorie, portable food (MRE’s, protein bars, etc.)

Wool blanket

Survival knife

Drinking water

Matches or other fire starter

Spare clothes

Duct tape

Note pad and pen

Folding shovel

Backpack to carry everything above if you have to leave your vehicle

Your Preparedness Matters

No matter what gear or tools you have, the most important aspect is your own mental preparedness. Staying calm and knowing what to do during an emergency can be the deciding factor in your survival. Take the time to study essential skills and learn about different types of emergencies. Get started today at Shadow Fox.

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